Yes. Applicants who apply to PEER must collaborate on their project with a researcher who is currently supported by an active research award funded by a U.S. government (USG) agency that is participating in the PEER program. This support can include active grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts. Please see eligibility information to see the USG agencies that are participating in this PEER solicitation.

The PEER program is accepting research proposals in the following focus areas. PEER-eligible countries are listed on the linked pages for each focus area, and applicants should review eligible country criteria carefully before applying. Applications are being accepted only for projects within the scope of one of the focus areas listed below.

PEER funding will be awarded to projects related to the USAID and partner agency focus areas specified above. Regional collaborations are encouraged, provided that they fit within the scope of one of the focus areas for this cycle and the primary PI is based in an eligible country for the focus area under which the proposal is submitted. Co-PIs may be involved in such regional collaborative projects, provided that the co-PIs are based in a country eligible for PEER (please see the country list for the Open Call for the most comprehensive list or check with program staff at peer@nas.edu to confirm eligibility). When writing pre-proposals, applicants should also consider how their proposed research and/or capacity building activities will contribute to USAID’s strategic priorities in development. More information about USAID including the agency’s mission statement, structure, and technical and regional programs can be found on the USAID website: http://www.usaid.gov/.

Applications that explicitly connect their proposed research to the development goals of their country’s USAID Mission will generally be more competitive. Country-specific development objectives are reflected in Country Development and Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) reports that are posted publicly on each USAID Mission’s homepage. Each CDCS lays out high-level strategic priorities for each bilateral USAID Mission over a five-year time frame. We encourage PEER applicants to review CDCS reports and other documents specific to USAID Mission priorities and reflect how their proposed research may contribute to these high- level objectives. A link to USAID-approved CDCS reports can be found here: http://www.usaid.gov/results-and-data/planning/country-strategies-cdcs.